Order Block
An order block is the zone (often the last candle in the opposite direction) from which a strong, directional move originates — the footprint of a large institutional order. SMC traders watch for price to return to this order block to enter in the direction of the impulse, betting that leftover orders are still lying dormant there. Its validity depends on the structural context. When it fails, it switches sides: see breaker block and mitigation block. Full validity criteria and strategy: the order block guide.
See also
An approach that follows the footprints of large institutional players.
A price imbalance left behind by a move that happened too fast.
An order block that failed and had its polarity flip.
The order block left by a failed swing, turned into a flipped zone.
How easily an asset can be bought or sold without moving its price.